Topping and Co give their recommended books of the week

If you’re looking to curl up with a good book this weekend try one of these recommendations from the team and Topping and Co booksellers

Beauty and the Beast, Ursula Jones & Sarah Gibb, £6.99

I consider this to be one of the best retellings of my all time favourite fairy tale. Stunningly illustrated by Sarah Gibb and enchantingly retold by Ursula Jones, it deserves a place on the bookshelf of all little princesses.

Vicky

The Mystery of the Man with the Black Beard, Gillian Cross, £5.99

Barrington Stoke specialise in publishing great books that are suitable for the reluctant or dyslexic reader. Gillian Cross, author of The Demon Headmaster, is the latest writer to add to the already fantastic range of books with her wonderful The Mystery of the Man with the Black Beard. This mystery tells the story of Annie and her friends as they search for clues to find Annie’s missing dad ... and the man with the black beard!

Vicky

Burial Rites, Hannah Kent, £7.99

Based on the true story of the last woman to be executed in Iceland, this haunting debut is beautifully written. It tells the tale of Agnes, who is misunderstood by society, victimised by men, convicted of murder and sentenced to death. It will sweep you away to the dark villages of Iceland in the nineteenth century and leave you completely breathless.

Vicky

Theo, Ed Taylor, £12

You can’t fail to be affected by the remarkable voice of this 10 year old boy and the flickering light and unsettling tone in this original novel about the dark side of celebrity. Alone most of the time, Theo’s world is upended when his famous father returns along with a large posse to record a new album. Devastating and uplifting at the same time, Theo is like nothing I have ever read before and I feel compelled to read more of Ed Taylor’s work.

Kathleen

What to Eat Next, Valentine Warner, £20

The ebulliant and exuberant Valentine Warner’s latest cookery book, What to Eat Next, is a hearty celebration of robust, flavoursome food. With a good dollop of cheffy flourishes, as well as down-to-earth tips and tricks, Valentine whets our appetites with irresistible recipes such as Pork with Creamy Cider Sauce and Dorset Hot Pot and intriguing puddings like Apple Peel Twigs and Richard's (Bertinet) Prunes.

Kathleen

n Signed copies of this beautiful cookbook available at www.toppingbooks.co.uk.